Connection module for providing n+n and m+1 redundant power distribution

ABSTRACT

A device may include an interconnect module that includes a number of ports, where each port is configured to receive both an alternating current (AC) power supply and a direct current (DC) power supply; where the interconnect module provides power from the received power supplies to a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs).

BACKGROUND

Power supply systems for network devices generally provide power tomultiple zones within the network devices and also contain backup powersupplies commonly referred to as redundant power systems. In somecircumstances, a direct current (DC) power system may provide N+Nredundant power where N DC power supplies (e.g., N=2) provide power tothe N zones within the device and N DC power supplies (e.g., N=2)provide backup power to the N zones. In other circumstances, analternating current (AC) power supply system may provide M+1 redundantpower, where M AC power supplies (e.g., M=3) provide power to the zonesand one AC power supply provides redundant power. These existing N+N DCpower systems and M+1 AC power systems typically require two differentconnection modules within the device or require separate and distinctconnection ports within a same connection module within the device,which adds to both the cost and complexity of the device.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, a device is provided. The device mayinclude a connection module that includes a number of ports, where eachport is configured to receive both an alternating current (AC) powersupply and a direct current (DC) power supply; where the connectionmodule provides power from the received power supplies to a plurality offield replaceable units (FRUs).

According to another aspect, a method may include providing a firstnumber of ports, where each port is configured to receive both analternating current (AC) power supply and a direct current DC powersupply; receiving into the first number of ports at least one of a firstnumber of DC power supplies or a first number of AC power supplies;providing a second number of power zones; and delivering power to thesecond number of power zones, where N+N redundant power is applied tothe second number of power zones when the first number of DC powersupplies are received into the first number of ports and where M+1redundant power is applied to the second number of power zones when thefirst number of AC power supplies are received into the first number ofports.

According to another aspect, a device may include two power zones, whereeach power zone includes a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs);and a connection module, where the connection module includes fourports, where each port is configured to receive both an alternatingcurrent (AC) power supply and a direct current (DC) power supply, wherethe connection module connects the received four power supplies to thetwo power zones within the device.

According to another aspect, a device may include means for receiving apower supply, where the means for receiving a power supply is configuredto receive both an alternating current (AC) power supply and a directcurrent (DC) power supply; and means for providing power to power zones,where N+N redundant power is applied to the power zones via the meansfor providing power when a plurality of DC power supplies are connectedto a plurality of means for receiving a power supply and M+1 redundantpower is applied to the power zones via the means for providing powerwhen a plurality of AC power supplies are connected to a plurality ofmeans for receiving a power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments describedherein and, together with the description, explain the embodiments. Inthe drawings,

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary device connected to a network;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the use of a connection module to supply N+N orM+1 redundant power to power zones within the exemplary device of FIG.1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power within the exemplary device of FIG. 1 according to afirst N+N exemplary implementation;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power within the exemplary device of FIG. 1 according to afirst M+1 exemplary implementation;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power within the exemplary device of FIG. 1 according to asecond N+N exemplary implementation;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power within the exemplary device of FIG. 1 according to asecond M+1 exemplary implementation; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for supplying N+N orM+1 redundant power to the exemplary device of FIG. 1 using theexemplary connection modules shown in FIGS. 3A-6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the embodiments refers to theaccompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawingsmay identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detaileddescription does not limit the embodiments. Instead, the scope of theembodiments is defined by the appended claims and equivalents of theclaimed features.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device 110 in which concepts described hereinmay be implemented. As shown, device 110 may connect to network 120.Device 110 may include a network device for performing network-relatedfunctions, such as for example, a router, a server or a switch. Network120 may include the Internet, an ad hoc network, a local area network(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), acellular network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), any othernetwork, or a combination of networks. Device 110 may communicate withother devices (not shown) and may communicate through a wired orwireless communication links via network 120.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the use of a connection module tosupply N+N or M+1 redundant power connections to power zones withindevice 110 according to exemplary implementations described herein.Device 110 may include a number of field replaceable units (FRUs) 210, aconnection module 220, a number of power entry modules (PEMs) 230-0 to230-3 (collectively referred to as PEMs 230) that supply N+N redundantpower 235, and a number of power supplies (PSs) 240-0 to 240-3(collectively referred to a PSs 240) that supply M+1 redundant power245. As shown, a number of FRUs 210 may be included in each of the powerzones (i.e., zone 0 and zone 1 shown by way of example) within device110.

FRUs 210 may include any replaceable unit or assembly of electronicdevices. When device 110 takes the form of a network device, such as arouter, a web server, a switch, or the like, each FRU 210 may include aline card. FRUs 210 may be included in each of the different power zoneswithin device 110 (e.g., zone 0 or zone 1). In one example, zone 0 maycontain seven (7) FRUs 210 and zone 1 may contain seven (7) FRUs 210.Continuing with this example, the total power required by device 110 maybe 2400 Watts, where each of the 14 FRUs 210 may require 235 Watts andadditionally, each zone may also include a cooling fan motor assembly(not shown) where each cooling fan motor assembly may require 150 Wattsof power. FRUs 210 may include two input connections to receive powerand two output connections to return power, where the two inputconnections may be diode-ORed together and the two output connectionsreturning power may be diode-ORed together, for example.

Connection module 220 may include connection ports to receive power fromPEMs 230 or PSs 240 and supply power to FRUs 210. As described in FIGS.3A-6B below, connection ports within connection module 220 may receiveeither one of a number of PEMs 230 or a number of power supplies (PSs)240 and may supply N+N redundant power when PEMs 230 are connected andmay supply M+1 redundant power when PSs 240 are connected to connectionmodule 220.

PEMs 230 may include a non load sharing DC power supply and connectionsnecessary to connect to connection module 220. PSs 240 may include aload sharing AC power supply, circuitry to convert AC power to DC powerand connections necessary to connect DC power to connection module 220.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power within the exemplary device of FIG. 1 according to afirst N+N exemplary implementation. FIG. 3A depicts connection module220, which includes midplane 310, power over Ethernet connection 320 andinterconnect module 330, supplying N+N redundant power from multiplePEMs 230-0 through 230-3 to FRUs 210.

Midplane 310 of connection module 220 may include electrical connectionsthat may connect FRUs 210 to interconnect module 330. Midplane 310 mayalso include a power over Ethernet connection 320 in order to providepower to FRUs 210 via an Ethernet connection.

Interconnect module 330 may include connection ports used to receivepower from PEMs 230 and circuit pathways to deliver power to midplane310. For example, interconnect module 330 may include four connectionports 340-1 to 340-4 (collectively referred to as connection ports 340)that may receive power from four power entry modules PEMs 230 that maybe plugged into ports 340. As shown, each connection port 340 mayinclude nine connection pins that may connect to respective power entrymodules 230. It should be understood that the number of pins containedin interconnect module 330 may be more or less depending on therequirements of a power delivery system of device 110 and/or therequirements of the power entry modules 230 plugged into ports 340.Dashed line connections shown in interconnect module 330 indicatecircuit pathways that are present, but, are not used in DC powerconnections, as described further below.

Power entry modules (PEMs) 230 may include a DC power supply andconnections to enable power to be supplied from the DC power supply tointerconnect module 330. In this example, PEMs 230 may include nine pinsthat may be used to connect to interconnect module 330. As mentionedabove, it should be understood that the number of pins contained in PEMs230 may be more or less depending on the requirements of a powerdelivery system of device 110 and/or the requirements of theinterconnect module 330.

FIG. 3B shows an enlarged view of a port 340 and a PEM 230 as connectedin FIG. 3A. As shown, port 340 includes nine pins (labeled 1-9).Similarly, PEM 230 includes nine pins that connect to the nine pins inport 340. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the first two pins of eachPEM 230 may be connected to the positive terminal of the DC powersupply, and the fourth and fifth pins of each PEM 230 may be connectedto a negative side of the DC power supply. When PEMs 230 are pluggedinto ports 340 the first two pins of port 340 may receive power from thepositive terminal of the DC power supply and the fourth and fifth pinsof port 340 may return power to the negative side of the DC powersupply. As the third and sixth pins of PEMs 230 are not connected toeither the positive or negative terminals of a DC power supply, thesepins do not supply or return power to/from interconnect module 330.Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3A, the dashed line connectionsbetween ports 340 using the third and sixth pins represent circuit pathsthat exist but do not perform power delivery.

Using the exemplary connection ports and circuit pathways included ininterconnect module 330, as shown in FIG. 3A, PEM 230-0 supplies powerto zone 0 FRUs 210 and PEM 230-1 supplies power to zone 1 FRUs 210. PEM230-2 supplies backup power to zone 0 FRUs 210 and PEM 230-3 suppliesbackup power to zone 1 FRUs 210. In this manner, interconnect module 330provides power from PEMs 230 in a 2+2 redundant manner, where two PEMs(230-0 and 230-1) provide power to the two zones, and each of the twoPEMs (230-0 and 230-1) have a redundant or backup power supply (i.e.,PEM 230-2 and 230-3 respectively).

Specifically, pins one and two of PEM 230-0 (and connection port 340-0)deliver power from the positive terminal of DC power supply to zone 0FRUs 210. Power returning from zone 0 FRUs 210 to the negative terminalof DC power supply may return via the fourth pin of connection port340-0 (and PEM 230-0). Similarly, PEM 230-2 supplies backup power tozone 0 FRUs 210 in the same manner as PEM 230-0. Pins one and two of PEM230-1 (and connection port 340-1) deliver power from the positiveterminal of DC power supply to zone 1 FRUs 210. Power returning fromzone 1 FRUs 210 to the negative terminal of DC power supply may returnvia the fourth pin of connection port 340-1 (and PEM 230-1). Similarly,PEM 230-3 supplies backup power to zone 1 FRUs 210 in the same manner asPEM 230-1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power from AC power supplies within the exemplary device ofFIG. 1 according to a first M+1 exemplary implementation. FIG. 4Adepicts connection module 220, which includes midplane 310, power overEthernet connection 320 and interconnect module 330, supplying M+1redundant DC power from PSs 240-0 through 240-3 to FRUs 210.

Interconnect module 330 may include connection ports used to receivepower from PSs 240 and circuit pathways to deliver power to midplane310. For example, interconnect module 330 may include the sameconnection ports 340-1 to 340-4 (described above with respect to FIG.3A) and which may receive output DC power from four AC power suppliesPSs 240-0 to 240-3 that may be plugged into ports 340. As shown,connection ports 340 may include nine connection pins that may connectto PSs 240. It should be understood that the number of pins contained ininterconnect module 330 may be more or less depending on therequirements of a power delivery system of device 110 and/or therequirements of the PSs 240 plugged into connection ports 340.

Power supplies (PSs) 240 may include a load sharing AC power supply, ACto DC conversion circuitry and connections to enable output DC power tobe supplied from PSs 240 to interconnect module 330. In this example,PSs 240 may include nine pins that may be used to connect to connectionports 340 in interconnect module 330. As mentioned above, it should beunderstood that the number of pins contained in PSs 240 may be more orless depending on the requirements of a power delivery system of device110 and/or the requirements of the interconnect module 330.

FIG. 4B shows an enlarged view of a port 340 and a PS 240 as connectedin FIG. 4A. As shown, port 340 includes nine pins (labeled 1-9).Similarly, PS 240 includes nine pins that connect to the nine pins inport 340. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the first three pins of eachPS 240 may be connected to the positive (DC output) terminal of the ACpower supply and the fourth, fifth and sixth pins of each PS 240 may beconnected to a negative (DC output) terminal of the AC power supply.When each PS 240 is plugged into port 340 the first three pins of port340 may receive power from the positive (DC output) terminal of the ACpower supply and the fourth through sixth pins of port 340 may returnpower to the negative (DC output) terminal of the AC power supplies. Asthe seventh through ninth pins of each PS 240 are not connected toeither the positive or negative terminals of an AC power supply, thesepins do not supply or return power to/from interconnect module 330. Asthe third and sixth pins of each PS 240 are connected to the positiveand negative terminals of the AC power supply, the connections betweenports 340 as shown in FIG. 4A are utilized, unlike FIGS. 3A-3B. As shownin FIG. 3A, the third and sixth pins are not connected to the DC powersupply terminals, thus the dashed line connections shown in FIG. 3A arenot used (i.e., do not perform power delivery/return).

Using the exemplary connections included in interconnect module 330 asshown in FIG. 4A, PS 240-0, PS 240-1, PS 240-2 and PS 240-3 each supplypower to zone 0 FRUs 210 and supply power to zone 1 FRUs 210. Only threepower supplies are required to deliver full power to the FRUs 210 andany one of the four PSs 240 may fail without impacting the system. Inthis manner, interconnect module 330 provides DC power from PSs 240 in a3+1 redundant manner, where any three PSs provide power to both of thetwo zones, and one PS provides redundant or backup power to the twozones.

Specifically, regarding PS 240-0, pins one and two of connection port340-0 deliver power from the positive terminal of AC power supply (in PS240-0) to zone 0 FRUs 210. Power returning from the zone 0 FRUs 210 tothe negative terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-0) may return viathe fourth and fifth pin of connection port 340-0. Additionally, pin oneof connection port 340-0 is connected to pin three of connection port340-1. In this manner, power may also be provided from PS 240-0 to zone1 FRUs 210 via pin three of connection port 340-1.

Regarding returning power from zone 1 FRUs 210, pin 4 of connection port340-0 (that carries returning power from zone 0 FRUs 210) may beconnected to pin six of connection port 340-3. In this manner, power isreturned from zone 1 FRUs 210 to the negative terminals of AC powersupplies included in both PS 240-0 and PS 240-3. Connecting the positiveterminals of power supplies included in PS 240-0 and PS 240-1 and thenegative terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-0 and PS 240-3,ensures that power supplies included in PS 240-0 and PS 240-1 are notdirectly connected in parallel. For example, if both the positive andnegative terminals of the power supplies included in PS 240-0 and PS240-1 were connected together, a short circuit (of either power supply)would cause power from both power supplies to be dissipated throughoutthe FRUs 210. By connecting returning power (supplied from PS 240-0)from zone 0 FRUs 210 to PS 240-3 (via pin six of connection port 340-3),a short circuit of the power supply in PS 240-0 results in power fromonly that one power supply being dissipated throughout the system (asopposed to power from both the power supplies in PS 240-0 and PS 240-1).

Regarding PS 240-1, pins one and two of connection port 340-1 deliverpower from the positive terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-1) tozone 1 FRUs 210. Power returning from the zone 1 FRUs 210 to thenegative terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-1) may return via thefourth and fifth pin of connection port 340-1. Additionally, pin one ofconnection port 340-1 is connected to pin three of connection port340-0. In this manner, power may also be provided from PS 240-1 to zone0 FRUs 210.

Regarding returning power (supplied by PS 240-1) from zone 0 FRUs 210,pin 4 of connection port 340-1 (that carries returning power from zone 1FRUs 210) may be connected to pin six of connection port 340-2. In thismanner, power is returned from zone 0 FRUs 210 to the negative terminalsof AC power supplies included in both PS 240-1 and PS 240-0. Connectingthe positive terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-1 and PS240-2 and the negative terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-1and PS 240-2 ensures that power supplies included in PS 240-1 and PS240-2 are not directly connected in parallel. For example, if both thepositive and negative terminals of the power supplies included in PS240-1 and PS 240-2 were connected together, a short circuit (of eitherpower supply) would cause power from both power supplies to bedissipated throughout the FRUs 210. By connecting returning power(supplied from PS 240-1) from zone 1 FRUs 210 to PS 240-2 (via pin sixof connection port 340-2), a short circuit of the power supply in PS240-1 results in power from only that one power supply being dissipatedthroughout the system (as opposed to power from both the power suppliesin PS 240-1 and PS 240-2).

Regarding PS 240-2, connection port 340-2 supplies power to zone 0 FRUs210 and returns power (to PS 240-2) via pin four. Positive terminals ofpower supplies in PS 240-2 and PS 240-3 are connected together (via pins1 and 3 of connection ports 340-2 and 340-3) while returning power viapin four of connection port 340-2 may be connected to the negativeterminal of the power supply included in PS 240-1. As described above,connecting the positive terminals of power supplied connected in PS240-2 and 240-3 without connecting the returning power paths of PS 240-2and PS 240-3, ensures that a short circuit of the power supply containedin PS 240-2 results in power from only that one power supply beingdissipated throughout the system.

Regarding PS 240-3, connection port 340-3 supplies power to zone 1 FRUs210 via pin one and returns power (to PS 240-3) via pin four. Positiveterminals of power supplies in PS 240-2 and PS 240-3 are connectedtogether (via pins 1 and 3 of connection ports 340-2 and 340-3) whilereturning power via pin four of connection port 340-3 may also beconnected to the negative terminal of the power supply included in PS240-0. As described above, connecting the positive terminals of powersupplied connected in PS 240-2 and 240-3 without connecting thereturning power paths of PS 240-2 and PS 240-3, ensures that a shortcircuit of the power supply contained in PS 240-3 results in power fromonly that one power supply being dissipated throughout the system.

As described above, the connections provided by interconnect module 330allow power to be provided from each PS 240 to both zones (0 and 1).Also, the returning power connections provided by interconnect module330 ensure that a short circuit of any power supply may be an isolatedshort circuit where power from only the shorted power supply isdissipated throughout the system. Further, as the connections providedby connection ports 340 (and midplane 310) are identical in both FIGS.3A and 4A, interconnect module 330 may receive either four AC powersupplies (PSs 240) or may receive four DC power supplies (PEMs 230) andprovide power to FRUs without requiring a change of connections. In thismanner, interconnect module 330 may provide either N+N redundant power(2+2 as shown in FIG. 3A) and M+1 redundant power (3+1 as shown in FIG.4A).

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power within the exemplary device of FIG. 1 according to asecond N+N exemplary implementation. FIG. 5A depicts connection module220, which includes midplane 510, power over Ethernet connection 520 andinterconnect module 530, supplying N+N redundant power from PEMs 230-0through 230-3 to FRUs 210.

Midplane 510 may include electrical connections that may connect FRUs210 to interconnect module 530. Midplane 510 may also include a powerover Ethernet connection 520 in order to provide power to FRUs 210 viaan Ethernet connection.

Interconnect module 530 may include connection ports used to receive DCpower from PEMs 230 and circuit pathways to deliver power to midplane510. For example, interconnect module 530 may include four connectionports 540-1 to 540-4 that may receive power from four power entrymodules PEMs 230 that may be plugged into ports 540. As shown,connection ports 540 may include nine connection pins that may connectto power entry modules 230. It should be understood that the number ofpins contained in interconnect module 530 may be more or less dependingon the requirements of a power delivery system of device 110 and/or therequirements of the power entry modules 230 plugged into connectionports 540.

Power entry modules (PEMs) 230 may include a DC power supply andconnections to enable power to be supplied from the DC power supply tointerconnect module 530. In this example, PEMs 230 may include nine pinsthat may be used to connect to interconnect module 530. As mentionedabove, it should be understood that the number of pins contained in PEMs230 may be more or less depending on the requirements of a powerdelivery system of device 110 and/or the requirements of theinterconnect module 530.

FIG. 5B shows an enlarged view of a port 540 and a PEM 230 as connectedin FIG. 5A. As shown, port 540 includes nine pins (labeled 1-9).Similarly, PEM 230 includes nine pins that connect to the nine pins inport 540. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the first two pins ofconnection port 540 may be connected to the positive terminal of the DCpower supply and the fourth and fifth pins of connection port 540 may beconnected to a negative side of the DC power supply. As the third andsixth pins of each PEM 230 are not connected to either the positive ornegative terminals of a DC power supply, these pins do not supply orreturn power to/from interconnect module 530. Therefore, in the exampleshown in FIG. 5A, the dashed line connections between ports 540 usingthe third and sixth pins (are present, however) do not perform powerdelivery.

Using the exemplary connections included in interconnect module 530 asshown in FIG. 5A, PEM 230-0 supplies power to zone 0 FRUs 210 and PEM230-1 supplies power to zone 1 FRUs 210. PEM 230-2 supplies backup powerto zone 0 FRUs 210 and PEM 230-3 supplies backup power to zone 1 FRUs210. In this manner, interconnect module 530 provides power from PEMs230 in a 2+2 redundant manner, where two PEMs (230-0 and 230-1) providepower to the two zones, and each of the two PEMs (230-0 and 230-1) havea redundant or backup power supply (i.e., PEM 230-2 and 230-3respectively).

Specifically, pins one and two of PEM 230-0 (and connection port 540-0)deliver power from the positive terminal of DC power supply to zone 0FRUs 210. Power returning from zone 0 FRUs 210 to the negative terminalof DC power supply may return via the fourth pin of connection port 530(and PEM 230-0). Similarly, PEM 230-2 supplies backup power to zone 0FRUs 210 in the same manner as PEM 230-0. Pins one and two of PEM 230-1(and connection port 530) deliver power from the positive terminal of DCpower supply to zone 1 FRUs 210. Power returning from zone 1 FRUs 210 tothe negative terminal of DC power supply may return via the fourth pinof connection port 540 (and PEM 230-1). Similarly, PEM 230-3 suppliesbackup power to zone 1 FRUs 210 in the same manner as PEM 230-1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the connection module of FIG. 2 supplyingredundant power within the exemplary device of FIG. 1 according to asecond M+1 exemplary implementation. FIG. 6A depicts connection module220, which includes midplane 510, power over Ethernet connection 520 andinterconnect module 530, supplying M+1 redundant power received from ACpower supplies included in PSs 240-0 through 240-3 to FRUs 210.

Interconnect module 530 may include connection ports used to receivepower from a device and circuit pathways to deliver power to midplane510. For example, interconnect module 530 may include four connectionports 540-1 to 540-4 that may receive DC output power from four AC powersupplies PSs 240-0 to 240-3 that may be plugged into ports 540. Asshown, connection ports 540 may include nine connection pins that mayconnect to PSs 240. It should be understood that the number of pinscontained in interconnect module 530 may be more or less depending onthe requirements of a power delivery system of device 110 and/or therequirements of the PSs 240 plugged into connection ports 540.

Power supplies (PSs) 240 may include a load sharing AC power supply, ACto DC conversion circuitry and connections to enable output DC power tobe supplied from the AC power supplies to interconnect module 530. Inthis example, PSs 240 may include nine pins that may be used to connectto connection ports 540 in interconnect module 530. As mentioned above,it should be understood that the number of pins contained in PSs 240 maybe more or less depending on the requirements of a power delivery systemof device 110 and/or the requirements of the interconnect module 530.

FIG. 6B shows an enlarged view of a port 540 and a PS 240 as connectedin FIG. 6A. As shown, port 540 includes nine pins (labeled 1-9).Similarly, PS 240 includes nine pins that connect to the nine pins inport 540. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the first three pins of eachPS 240 may be connected to the positive (DC output) terminal of the ACpower supply and the fourth, fifth and sixth pins of each PS 240 may beconnected to a negative (DC output) terminal of the AC power supply.When each PS 240 is plugged into port 540 the first three pins of port540 may receive power from the positive (DC output) terminal of the ACpower supply and the fourth through sixth pins of port 540 may returnpower to the negative (DC output) terminal of the AC power suppliesincluded in PS 240. As the seventh through ninth pins of each PS 240 arenot connected to either the positive or negative terminals of an ACpower supply, these pins do not supply or return power to/frominterconnect module 530. As the third and sixth pins of each PS 240 areconnected to the positive and negative terminals of the AC power supply,the connections between ports 540 as shown in FIG. 6A are utilized,unlike FIGS. 5A-5B. As shown in FIG. 5A, the third and sixth pins arenot connected to the DC power supply terminals, thus the dashed lineconnections shown in FIG. 5A are not used (i.e., do not perform powerdelivery/return).

Using the exemplary connection ports and circuit pathways included ininterconnect module 530, as shown in FIG. 6A, PS 240-0, PS 240-1, PS240-2 and PS 240-3 each supply power to zone 0 FRUs 210 and supply powerto zone 1 FRUs 210. Any one of the PSs 240 may supply backup power tozone 0 FRUs 210 and zone 1 FRUs 210. In this manner, interconnect module530 provides power from PSs 240 in a 3+1 redundant manner, where anythree PSs provide sufficient power to both of the two zones, and one PSmay provide redundant or backup power to the two zones.

Specifically regarding PS 240-0, pins one and two of connection port540-0 deliver power from the positive terminal of AC power supply (in PS240-0) to zone 0 FRUs 210. Power returning from the zone 0 FRUs 210 tothe negative terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-0) may return viathe fourth and fifth pin of connection port 540-0. Additionally, pin oneof connection port 540-0 is connected to pin three of connection port540-1. In this manner, power may also be provided from PS 240-0 to zone1 FRUs 210 via pin three of connection port 540-1.

Regarding returning power from zone 1 FRUs 210, pin four of connectionport 540-0 (that carries returning power from zone 0 FRUs 210) may beconnected to pin six of connection port 540-1. In this manner, power isreturned from zone 1 FRUs 210 to the negative terminals of AC powersupplies included in both PS 240-0 and PS 240-1. Connecting both thepositive terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-0 and PS 240-1and the negative terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-0 and PS240-1 connects these power supplies in parallel. A short circuit ofeither of the power supplies included in PS 240-0 and PS 240-1 may causepower from both power supplies to be dissipated throughout the FRUs 210,however as the power supplies are connected in parallel, this preventstwice the voltage of one power supply (due to a series connection) frombeing applied across the FRUs 210 if a short circuit occurs.

Regarding PS 240-1, pins one and two of connection port 540-1 deliverpower from the positive terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-1) tozone 1 FRUs 210. Power returning from the zone 1 FRUs 210 to thenegative terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-1) may return via thefourth and fifth pin of connection port 540-1. Additionally, pin one ofconnection port 540-1 is connected to pin three of connection port540-0. In this manner, power may also be provided from PS 240-1 to zone0 FRUs 210.

Regarding returning power (supplied by PS 240-1) from zone 0 FRUs 210,pin 4 of connection port 540-1 (that carries returning power from zone 1FRUs 210) may be connected to pin six of connection port 540-0. In thismanner, power is returned from zone 0 FRUs 210 to the negative terminalsof AC power supplies included in both PS 240-1 and PS 240-0. Connectingthe positive terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-1 and PS240-0 and the negative terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-1and PS 240-0 connects these power supplies in parallel, which preventstwice the voltage of one power supply (due to a series connection) frombeing applied across the FRUs 210 if a short circuit occurs.

Regarding PS 240-2, pins one and two of connection port 540-2 deliverpower from the positive terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-2) tozone 0 FRUs 210. Power returning from the zone 0 FRUs 210 to thenegative terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-2) may return via thefourth and fifth pin of connection port 540-2. Additionally, pin one ofconnection port 540-2 is connected to pin three of connection port540-3. In this manner, power may also be provided from PS 240-2 to zone1 FRUs 210.

Regarding returning power (supplied by PS 240-2) from zone 1 FRUs 210,pin 4 of connection port 540-2 (that carries returning power from zone 0FRUs 210) may be connected to pin six of connection port 540-3. In thismanner, power is returned from zone 1 FRUs 210 to the negative terminalsof AC power supplies included in both PS 240-2 and PS 240-3. Connectingthe positive terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-2 and PS240-3 and the negative terminals of power supplies included in PS 240-2and PS 240-3 connects these power supplies in parallel, which preventstwice the voltage of one power supply (due to a series connection) frombeing applied across the FRUs 210 if a short circuit occurs.

Regarding PS 240-3, pins one and two of connection port 540-3 deliverpower from the positive terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-3) tozone 1 FRUs 210. Power returning from the zone 1 FRUs 210 to thenegative terminal of AC power supply (in PS 240-3) may return via thefourth and fifth pin of connection port 540-3. Additionally, pin one ofconnection port 540-3 is connected to pin three of connection port540-2. In this manner, power may also be provided from PS 240-3 to zone0 FRUs 210.

Regarding returning power (supplied by PS 240-3) from zone 0 FRUs 210,pin 4 of connection port 540-3 (that carries returning power from zone 1FRUs 210) may be connected to pin six of connection port 540-2. In thismanner, power is returned from zone 0 FRUs 210 to the negative terminalsof AC power supplies included in both PS 240-2 and PS 240-3. Asdescribed above, connecting the positive terminals of power suppliesincluded in PS 240-2 and PS 240-3 and the negative terminals of powersupplies included in PS 240-2 and PS 240-3 connects these power suppliesin parallel, which prevents twice the voltage of one power supply (dueto a series connection) from being applied across the FRUs 210 if ashort circuit occurs.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary process 700 of delivering power using connectionmodule 220, as shown in FIGS. 3A-6B. Referring to FIGS. 3A-6B, process700 may begin by providing a first number of ports via an interconnectmodule (block 710). As shown in both FIGS. 3A and 4A for example, fourconnection ports 340-0 to 340-3, may be included in interconnect module330. Also, as shown in both FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A for example, fourconnection ports 540-0 to 540-3 may be included in interconnect module530. Process 700 may continue by receiving either a first number of DCpower supplies or a first number of AC power supplies into theinterconnect module (block 720). As shown in FIG. 3A for example, fourconnection ports 340-0 to 340-3 in interconnect module 330 may receivefour DC PEMs 230-0 to 230-3. As shown in FIG. 4A for example, the samefour connection ports 340-0 to 340-3 in interconnect module 330 may alsoreceive four AC power supplies PSs 240-0 to 240-3. As shown in FIG. 5Afor example, four connection ports 540-0 to 540-3 in interconnect module530 may receive four PEMs 230-0 to 230-3. As shown in FIG. 6A forexample, the same four connection ports 540-0 to 540-3 in interconnectmodule 330 may also receive four AC power supplies PSs 240-0 to 240-3.Once connected via ports (340 or 540), either N+N (e.g., 2+2) redundantpower or M+1 (e.g., 3+1) redundant power may be provided via theinterconnect module (block 730).

In other examples, interconnect module 330 may include two or sixconnection ports 340. In these examples, the number of power zoneswithin device 110 may be one or three respectively. For example, ifinterconnect module 330 includes only two connection ports 340, theremay be only one power zone for the FRUs 210. With only two connectionports 340, 1+1 redundant DC input/DC output power and 1+1 redundant ACinput/DC output power may be provided to the single power zone.Referring to FIGS. 3A and 4A, connection ports 340-0 and 340-2 ininterconnect module 330 may be used to provide 1+1 redundant DC input/DCoutput power and 1+1 redundant AC input/DC output power to the singlepower zone (zone 0).

If interconnect module 330 includes six connection ports 340, there maybe three power zones for the FRUs 210. With six connection ports 340,3+3 redundant power and 5+1 redundant power may be provided to the threepower zones. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 4A, two additional connectionports 340 may be required to provide 3+3 redundant power and 5+1redundant power to the three power zones. In this example, whensupplying DC power, the two additional connection ports 340 may beconnected such that one port provides power and one port provides backuppower (as shown in FIG. 3A) and when supplying AC power, the twoadditional ports 340 may be connected (via interconnect module 330) inthe same manner as ports 340-2 and 340-3 (as shown in FIG. 4A) to supplypower to the third power zone. In this example, the positive terminalsof additional power supplies may be connected without connecting thereturning power paths directly, as described above.

In other examples, interconnect module 530 may include two or sixconnection ports 540. In these examples, the number of power zoneswithin device 110 may be one or three respectively. For example, ifinterconnect module 530 includes only two connection ports 540, theremay be only one power zone for the FRUs 210. With only two connectionports 540, 1+1 redundant DC input/DC output power and 1+1 redundant ACinput/DC output power may be provided to the single power zone.Referring to FIGS. 5A and 6A for example, connection ports 540-0 and540-2 may be used to provide 1+1 redundant DC input/DC output power and1+1 redundant AC input/DC output power to a single power zone (zone 0).

If interconnect module 530 includes six connection ports 540, there maybe three power zones for the FRUs 210. With six connection ports 540,3+3 redundant power and 5+1 redundant power may be provided to the threepower zones. Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A, two additional connectionports 540 may be required to provide 3+3 redundant power and 5+1redundant power to the three power zones. In this example, whensupplying DC power, the two additional connection ports 540 areconnected such that one port provides power and one port provides backuppower (as shown in FIG. 5A) and when supplying AC power, the twoadditional ports 540 may be connected (via interconnect module 530) inthe same manner as ports 540-2 and 540-3 (as shown in FIG. 6A) to supplypower to the third power zone. In this example, both the positive andnegative terminals of additional power supplies may be connected, asdescribed above.

As described above, as the connections provided by interconnect module530 and connection ports 540 (and midplane 510) are identical in FIG. 5Aand FIG. 6A, interconnect module 530 may receive a number of AC powersupplies or may receive a number of DC power supplies and provide powerto FRUs 210 without requiring a change of connections. In this manner,interconnect module 530 may provide either one of N+N redundant power orM+1 redundant power.

CONCLUSION

Implementations described herein may allow ports within an interconnectmodule to receive either an AC power supply or a DC power supply.Connections within the interconnection module allow for either N+Nredundant power or M+1 redundant power to be applied to power zoneswithin the device.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the presentembodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise formdisclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. Forexample, while series of acts have been described with regard to FIG. 7,the order of the acts may differ or be performed in parallel in otherimplementations consistent with the present embodiments. Furthermore,various implementations have been described with respect to two powerzones and using 2+2 redundant power distribution or 3+1 redundant powerdistribution. However, the connection module described herein may beapplied, with minor modifications, to any N+N or M+1 redundant powerdistribution system.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in theclaims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are notintended to limit the invention. In fact, many of these features may becombined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosedin the specification.

No element, act, or instruction used in the description of theprinciples of the embodiments should be construed as critical unlessexplicitly described as such. Also as used herein, the article “a” isintended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended,the term “one” or similar language is used. Further, the phrase “basedon” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitlystated otherwise.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A device comprising: a plurality of ports, whereeach port is to: selectively receive a connection from one of analternating current (AC) power supply or a direct current (DC) powersupply, and provide power, from at least one of the AC power supply orthe DC power supply, to one or more other devices, where each portincludes a particular number of pins, and where a first number of pins,of the particular number of pins, that receives power from and returnspower to the DC power supply is different than a second number of pins,of the particular number of pins, that receives power from and returnspower to the AC power supply.
 22. The device of claim 21, where a firstdevice, of the one or more other devices, is included in a first powerzone, where a second device, of the one of more other devices, isincluded in a second power zone different than the first power zone, andwhere the plurality of ports are to provide power to the first powerzone and the second power zone.
 23. The device of claim 21, where, whena particular number of ports, of the plurality of ports, are connectedto AC power supplies, the particular number of ports are to provide M+1redundant power from the AC power supplies to the one or more otherdevices.
 24. The device of claim 23, where, when providing the M+1redundant power, the particular number of ports are to provide, to theone or more other devices, at least one of 3+1 redundant power or 5+1redundant power.
 25. The device of claim 21, where, when a particularnumber of ports, of the plurality of ports, are connected to DC powersupplies, the particular number of ports are to provide N+N redundantpower from the DC power supplies to the one or more other devices. 26.The device of claim 25, where, when providing the N+N redundant power,the particular number of ports are to provide, to the one or more otherdevices, at least one of 2+2 redundant power or 3+3 redundant power. 27.A method comprising: providing, by a device, a port that includes aparticular number of pins, where the port selectively receives aconnection from one of an alternating current (AC) power supply or adirect current (DC) power supply, and where a first number of pins, ofthe particular number of pins, that receives power from and returnspower to the DC power supply is different than a second number of pins,of the particular number of pins, that receives power from and returnspower to the AC power supply; receiving, by the device and via the port,a connection from one of the AC power supply or the DC power supply; andproviding, by the device and via the port, the power, received from oneof the AC power supply or the DC power supply, to another device. 28.The method of claim 27, further comprising: providing another port; andproviding, using the port and the other port, redundant power to theother device.
 29. The method of claim 28, where the redundant powerincludes at least one of M+1 redundant power or N+N redundant power. 30.The method of claim 29, where proving redundant power to the otherdevice includes: providing the M+1 redundant power to the other devicewhen the port and the other port are connected to AC power supplies; andproviding the N+N redundant power to the other device when the port andthe other port are connected to DC power supplies.
 31. The device ofclaim 23, where providing the M+1 redundant power includes providing atleast one of 3+1 redundant power or 5+1 redundant power.
 32. The deviceof claim 25, where providing the N+N redundant power includes providingat least one of 2+2 redundant power or 3+3 redundant power.
 33. Themethod of claim 28, where the other port includes a plurality of pins,where the other port selectively receives a connection from one of an ACpower supply or a DC power supply, and where a first number of pins, ofthe plurality of pins, that receives power from and returns power to ACpower supplies is different than a second number of pins, of theplurality of pins, that receives power from and returns power to DCpower supplies.
 34. A system comprising: a port, including a particularnumber of pins, to: selectively receive a connection from one of analternating current (AC) power supply or a direct current (DC) powersupply, where a first number of pins, of the particular number of pins,that receives power from and returns power to the DC power supply isdifferent than a second number of pins, of the particular number ofpins, that receives power from and returns power to the AC power supply;and provide the power, from one of the AC power supply or the DC powersupply, to one or more devices.
 35. The system of claim 34, furthercomprising: another port, where the port and the other port are to:provide M+1 redundant power to the one or more devices when the port andthe other port are connected to AC power supplies, and provide N+Nredundant power to the one or more devices when the port and the otherport are connected to DC power supplies.
 36. The system of claim 35,where a first device, of the one or more other devices, is included in afirst power zone, where a second device, of the one of more otherdevices, is included in a second power zone different than the firstpower zone, the second device being different than the first device, andwhere the port and the other port are to provide power to at least oneof the first power zone or the second power zone.
 37. The system ofclaim 36, where, when providing the power, the port and the other portare to at least one of: provide N+N redundant power or M+1 redundantpower to the first power zone, or provide N+N redundant power or M+1redundant power to the second power zone.
 38. The system of claim 34,further comprising: a connection module, where the connection moduleincludes a plurality of ports, where the plurality of ports include theport and at least one other port, and where each of the plurality ofports is to selectively receive a connection from an AC power supply ora DC power supply.
 39. The system of claim 38, where first ports of theplurality of ports are to provide redundant power to first devices, andwhere second ports of the plurality of ports are to provide redundantpower to second devices, where the first devices are different than thesecond devices, and where the second ports are different than the firstports.
 40. The system of claim 39, where the redundant power provided tothe first devices is different than the redundant power provided to thesecond devices.